Pilihanraya Negeri Sabah 1994

Abstract

The 1994 state elections was a landmark elections in Sabah politics. First, it spelt the end of the state government under Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) that has ruled the state since 1985 and whose rule had been characterised by tension especially in its relations with the federal government. Second, it was the elections in which United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) made its direct entry into local politics. The party had expanded its wing to the state earlier in 1991, but held only one state seat. (by Tun Mustapha Harun, who had resigned his seat that he had won under United Sabah National Organisation and then contested a by-election under the UMNO Sabah banner). Third, the elections also saw dwindling political influence exerted by Tun Mustapha Harun who has been an important political figure in Sabah politics since the state achieved independence within Malaysia in 1963.
 
The paper discusses briefly the evolution of Sabah's politics under various political parties and personalities since the early 1960s. This is to provide a glimpse of the volatility of politics in the state, one that is based on ethnicity, the main groupings being Christian Kadazandusun, Muslim bumiputera or Chinese.


The paper provides an analysis of the 1994 election results and highlights key issues that had been advanced especially by both the ruling PBS and the opposition UMNO Sabah. It also discusses the circumstances which resulted in the fall of the PBS government and how the Barisan Nasional coalition Sabah under the leadership of Sabah UMNO come to power. These events are discussed in the context of the prospects for integration and development in Sabah.